Trade unions and Government representatives will meet separately today with an independent body in a bid to resolve the ongoing row over public sector pay.
The Government appointed group, which is chaired by the Chair of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Kevin Foley, was originally formed to construct the framework of the pay talks.
Yesterday, unions announced plans for a 24-hour strike on Thursday 12 November.
They have accused the Government of failing to make a credible offer on pay.
Talks at the WRC were adjourned on Friday night with unions saying that a significant impasse had been reached.
Watch: Decision made to proceed with strike, says Kevin Callinan
The strike on Thursday week will coincide with the first of two meetings of European leaders due to take place as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency.
There will be a demonstration in Dublin and smaller rallies around the country as part of the strike.
After the work stoppage, unions said they will intensify the work-to-rule action that is already under way across the public sector and look at taking further industrial action.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said it was “extremely regrettable” that unions have chosen to escalate matters further by announcing a strike day for 12 November.
“This will cause significant disruption to critical services that the public rely on while this industrial relations process remains ongoing,” Mr Chambers said.
“Government wants an agreement that gets the balance right by delivering a pay deal that is fair and credible to workers and is fiscally responsible and sustainable for the country,” he added.
